Western Mongolia is famous for being the home for a dozen ethnic groups of Mongolia and the Kazakh people and is the least traveled area of the country. The nature is more beautiful and pristine and the people are more hospitable and generous there. This fantastic overland tour comprises the most exciting 4 western provinces of vast Mongolia.

You will take the domestic flight to Uvs - home to several ethnic groups. The largest lake of Mongolia called Uvs is on your way of journey to the Western Mongolia. Then continue overland discovery tour visiting Bayan-Olgii for the Kazakh Eagle hunters & Altai mountains, Khovd for the beautiful Tsambagarav Mountain, Tolbo lake, witness ethnic groups and throat singers and eventually ending your tour in Gobi-Altai province, where you will travel the ultimate Gobi Desert, Sutai mountain and meet more ethnic groups of Mongolia. You will then fly back to UB.

Our local travel experts team will ensure that the tour runs smoothly in this remote region of Mongolia, and will share their endless experience and knowledge of the region with you!

Tour map

Aug 09, 2007. Western Mongolia - customized ethnic group visit tour
How are things in Mongolia? It hardly seems possible but it is already over a month since we were on holidays there. Thanks again ..

Mr. Phil Atkinson and friends

Daily Iitinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, city SightseeingTransfer to centrally located good 3* hotel. City sightseeing: the Gandan Monastery, Museum of Mongolian National History and Genghis Monument on the Sukhbaatar Square. Centrally located excellent hotel 3* LDay 2-3: Ulaanbaatar – Uvs, Exploring Uvs Province & Meeting Ethnic GroupsWe take the flight to Uvs province in Western Mongolia, visit the Mongolia's largest lake Uvs, the pretty Uureg lake, and meet ethnic groups of Bayad, Durvud and Uuld people. Tent camping B+L+DDay 4-5: Uvs to Bayan-Ulgii province We visit the Achit lake and the Kharkhiraa Valley on our way to Bayan-Ulgii province. Arrive in Ulgii town on Day 5, visit the town mosque, bazaar and museum, transfer to ger camp, shower etc. Tent/Cer camp B+L+D

Day 6-7: Tavan Bogd National Park & Eagle HuntersOn these 2 days we explore the eastern edge of the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park where Mongolia's highest point lays at 4374m above sea level. We will also visit Kazakh nomadic families along the way and witness their tremendous Eagle Hunting practice & renowned hospitality. Tent camping B+L+D

Day 10 – 11: Khovd to Mt.Sutai via Mankhan & Khar Us LakeOn these 2 days we travel toward Gobi-Altai province, will explore the 10'000-40'000 years old rock paintings in the world famous Khoid Tsenkher Caves, Khar Us Lake and break our journey nearby the stunning Sutai Mountain (4000m). Tent camping B+L+D

Day 12 – 13: Mt. Sutai to Gobi Altai, then to Ulaanbaatar Before making our way back to Ulaanbaatar from Mongolia's highest town, we will drive through the ultimate Gobi Desert, and admire the beauty of one of the most mysterious deserts of the world. Tent / Hotel 3* B+L+D

Day 14: UlaanbaatarFree day in Ulaanbaatar. In the evening enjoy a traditional folklore concert by Mongolia's best ensemble and have farewell dinner with your friends. Centrally located excellent hotel 3* B+D

Day 15: Departure After breakfast we will be transferred to Ulaanbaatar airport/train station. B

Date & Price - set departure tour

2015-06-21

2015-07-05

15 days

3190US$ pax

0US$ pax

0US$ pax

3500US$ pax

3400US$ pax

3190US$ pax

Closed

Closed

2015-07-26

2015-08-09

15 days

3190US$ pax

0US$ pax

0US$ pax

3500US$ pax

3400US$ pax

3190US$ pax

Closed

Closed

Single supplement charge

US$400

Included Services

Full-time services of your English speaking local guide throughout the tour

Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, camera or video fees at any sites etc.

Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary).

Sleeping bags & mat and camping equipments except from tent

DISCOUNT CONDITIONS:

For children of a family (0 – 3 years old) is 100% free of charge

For children of a family (4 – 12 years old) is 40% free of charge

Courier bringing min 3 pax

More attractive prices for groups of 12 and more people!

1 free space for every 16 PAX

Accommodation on Selena Travel tours

Ulaanbaatar: Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia has many hotels ranging from basic 1* to high-end 5*. Some international hotel chains have opened such as Kempinski, Ramada, and Best Western to name a few. Some of Selena Travel Mongolia tours do not include hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, where clients are advised to take care of their own accommodation in Ulaanbaatar. Please refer to your tour program (Included services and Exclusions section) for more details. Your Selena Travel advisor is happy to assist you with hotel booking on your request. Below you will find some suggested hotels in Ulaanbaatar:

Best Western Gobi Kelso ***

Springs hotel ***

Ramada hotel ****

Kempinski Khan Palace ****

Best Western Premier *****

Outside Ulaanbaatar: Please take in mind that traveling in the countryside of Mongolia is often tough, a trip is conducted in remote areas where there’s no hotel and paved roads exist.

Outside of Ulaanbaatar, tourist Ger camps are the best accommodation for travelers. A Ger is Mongolian traditional dwelling made of felt layers and wooden construction, and the Mongols have lived in Gers since the time immemorial. Tourist Ger camps offer comfortable Gers with 1-4 beds with good bedding, and also have western style showers and WCs (mostly shared). A few Ger camps offer en-suite Gers at additional charge (please ask your Selena Travel advisor for this). Due to remoteness some tourist Ger camps may not excel in service, so travelers may not always expect high pressure showers, bubble baths or gourmet food etc.

Food on Selena Travel tours

During your tour in Mongolia you will be eating in good restaurants in Ulaanbaatar, we have a great variety in restaurants in the capital city. Once you are outside the capital, Ger restaurants in Ger camps and local cafes in the small towns and villages will be the places where you will be eating. Ger restaurants often have set menu, but their food is usually very good (Ger camps provide mostly continental breakfast, lunches consist of salad, soup, main course and dessert, whilst, dinners are usually salad, main course and dessert).

During your longer driving days you will take packed lunch from Ger camps (often vegetable salad, main course such as fried chicken/noodles/dumplings and a chocolate bar etc). Vegetarians are well taken care of both in Ulaanbaatar restaurants and tourist Ger camps.

Luggage allowance on Selena Travel tours

When you travelling overland in a vehicle (minivan & jeep), it would be suitable if you have 20kg luggage per person (max). However, please kindly note that domestic flight luggage allowance per person is 15 kg (10 kg for the check in luggage and 5 for the carry on luggage). For 1kg extra luggage you pay US$2 - 5.

DESTINATION & ATTRACTIONS BRIEF INFOThe majestic western Mongolia is definitely the most beautiful part of the country. The mountainous area climate is extreme with very little vegetation, giving the surrounding landscape a barren appearance. The stunning mountains of Altai are home to wild animals such as the globally endangered Snow Leopard, Argali and Ibex, as well as wolves and many bird species.

Ethnic groups: Altai area is a place where many ethnic groups inhabit. You will meet the Kazak, Tuva, Torguud and many other small groups and enjoy their distinctive traditions and lives. The Kazakh is a small ethnic group of Turkic origin that was one of Genghis Khaan's tribes. They are Muslims and now live peacefully keeping their completely different customs, strict traditions, religion and inhabit the Altai Mountains. Not like their relatives in Kazakhstan, they speak in their own Kazakh language as Mongolian government gave them the rights to keep and conserve their native language and religion.

Images of the Tour

Tour map

Reviews

Aug 09, 2007. Western Mongolia - customized ethnic group visit tour
How are things in Mongolia? It hardly seems possible but it is already over a month since we were on holidays there. Thanks again for organising such a wonderful trip. The experience was one we will never forget. Our crew of Egi, Angel, Hasha, Badarch and Mandah were exceptional, and we all had a great time together. Once again, thanks and best wishes.